NFU petition to ban sky lanterns reaches 100,000 signatures
1st February 2023
More than 100,000 supporters have signed the NFU petition calling for a total ban on sky lanterns in England and Wales due to the dangers they pose to the environment, livestock, and those living in rural areas.
Sky lanterns can be highly dangerous to farming and wildlife, causing wildfires that can harm animals and destroy homes. Fallen lanterns also litter the environment and can be eaten by livestock or other animals, leading to injury and even death.
Farmers have long been calling for a change in legislation regarding the sale and use of sky lanterns due to the threat they continue to pose to agricultural businesses. The petition reaching 100,000 signatures means the issue will now be considered for a debate in the UK Parliament.
The petition is supported by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the RSPCA and Keep Britain Tidy and will now be sent to Defra for review. This comes after Defra has commissioned research to investigate the effects of sky lanterns on the countryside.
NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw said: “Over 200,000 sky lanterns are released every year in the UK and we have heard countless examples of the harm to animals and wildlife. They cause unnecessary litter across our beautiful countryside and cause fires, putting an unnecessary strain on public safety services such as local Fire and Rescue Services.”
Mr Bradshaw highlighted the importance of the issue to the British public and said the new milestone indicates an urgent need for the government to implement a ban.
“Farmers applaud the 186 councils across England and Wales which have already banned sky lanterns, and it’s positive that Defra is commissioning research into the issue.
“Sky lanterns are already banned in Austria, Germany and Brazil. It’s time now for our government, which has just published the Environmental Improvement Plan, to follow their lead to create a safer and cleaner countryside,” Mr Bradshaw stressed.
“We look forward to continuing to support Defra on this matter and would welcome an update on the progress of the impact assessment as soon as possible.”
